21 Day Fix Week 1 Recap

So I know I sort of dropped off with my daily recaps. But I felt like it would be boring and a little silly to keep telling you I eat the same 2 days worth of meals for 7 days...  I basically alternated 2 days worth of meal all work week.  Its cheaper and simpler for me to do that.  Plus, if I find 2 sets of things I like it doesn't bother me at all.

I loved the workouts all week. My favorite part is that there is a different one for each day of the week. So if you don't like one- you only have to do it two more times!  But I actually liked them all.  Each workout is a 30 minute interval training type workout.  1 minute work, 30 seconds rest. next exercise, then repeat those 2. Then move on to another set- 4 times total.
Here's the schedule:
Monday- total body cardio- loved this one. really hard!
Tuesday- upper fix- i need heavier weights for this
Wednesday- lower fix- this was very challenging b/c my legs were sore from my leg day at the gym monday
Thursday- Pilates- really enjoyed this. it was a nice active recovery type day
Friday- cardio fix- skipped to run
Saturday- Dirty 30- LOVED!!!! circuit style weight training
Sunday- yoga- very well needed and deserved

Along with that schedule I also worked out with my husband at the gym twice. I did Monday legs and Thursday back and biceps. I skipped my other workouts with him because I was really tired.

My workout for the program was cardio for Friday afternoon.  But I had a phenomenal day Friday, it was gorgeous outside, and I get off early.  So I decided to go for my first run in MONTHS!!!  OMG! It felt AMAZING!  I had that euphoric runners' high afterwards where I felt like I could conquer the world .

And Friday was a good mail day!!

Body Combat, Shakeology Sampler Packets; Kiki La Rue Tailored to Perfection Pants

Saturday morning I woke up feeling great! I wanted to weigh myself since it was day 6... I was just really excited.  I did re-measure myself yet though. Here are my stats:
Starting weight 2/17- 132.6lbs.                  2/22- 129 lbs.
Starting Body fat % 2/17- 20.7%               2/22- 20.4%

I was ecstatic.  My ultimate goal is to get my body fat % to 19.5!  I'm almost there.  This is the first time I have seen my numbers drop in SUCH a long time.  So because of that I did my Dirty 30 workout, had  my strawberry shakeology mixed with water (to DIE for),  and went to the mall for a little treat :)

Shiseido moistuirzer (free with my  points), Formula X nail polish, GlamGlow mask; Hourglass ambient blush

Saturday night we had a surprise Bday dinner planned for a friend of my husband.  I knew this would be a struggle for me because I am very much a social eater and drinker.  I like to participate in the festivities like everyone else.  And we were going to a really good seafood place.  I had stalked the menu ahead of time but still couldn't figure out what to eat.  The dinner wasn't until 7.  I had all my normal meals for the day except a yellow container of carbs.  I was saving that for a glass of red wine- that is allowed on the program 3 times a week.  I had 1 red container (protein) 2 greens (veggies) and 1 yellow (carbs) left.  I had my apple & almond butter around 5:30.  We ended up not eating until about 9.  I was starving to death by then.  Everyone ordered an appetizer.  I just wanted to eat something. So I asked for a salad- no dressing- bring vinegar on the side.  When my salad came so did fried pickles, charbroiled oysters (my favorite), and fried mushrooms for everyone else.  I will be honest.  I had about 3 pickles, 1 mushroom, and 1 oyster.  I couldn't help it.  I also had 2 glasses of wine... lol oops.  I vowed not to eat a yellow the next day too.  I order a 6oz filet with steamed broccoli.  It was really good.  I'm sure it was cooked in butter. But hey, whatcha gonna do?  My husband order boiled crawfish and I ate 2 of his.  I went home feeling a little disappointed, but still felt ok about my choices.

Sunday morning I woke up feeling really crappy...  My stomach hurt, I was dehydrated, My fingers were swollen from the salt.  Immediately I got up and started drinking water and had my shakeology for the day.  My meals went like this:
M1: Chocolate Shakeology with Water
M2: 2 poached eggs over spinach, sprouts, and cilantro on an ezekial pita with goat cheese

TO DIE FOR!!!

M3: ground turkey over veggies
M4: apple & sunflower seeds
M5: baked chicken and steamed brussel sprouts

We were so lazy all day. I barely left the bed. I watched about 8 hours worth of The Following- oops... We finished the first season on netflix. I love that show!

I also decided I would make one of the approved treats that you can swap a yellow container out for up to 3 times a week.  It was a healthy cookie recipe.  I made them expecting to just keep them on the counter until i wanted one this week.  Bad idea.  I had about 5 of them.  Oops... Lol... Whatever it could've been worse.  My husband ate McDonalds next to me and I didn't even have a fry.  That is huge!  Fries are my fave.

I was so lazy I didn't even feel like doing my yoga video.  Finally around 8:30 that night I got out of bed long enough to do that for 30 minutes.  I'm so glad I did.  It felt amazing.

I worked really hard all week.  I'm proud of myself for completing my first week.  I had a couple slip-ups but hey that's ok!  My body is adjusting to the smaller portions already.  I really enjoyed the workouts all week too.  I really think this program is a game changer b/c nutrition is the worst part for so many people.  Hell, me included... I struggle with it a lot.  My scale hasn't moved in months despite being in the gym some times 6 days a week.

Week 1 done- 2 more to go!!

Natural Beauty

Happy Monday! Over the past week or so I have been on a crazy hunt to find the natural cosmetics and skin care items that still work.  Something hit me the other day... I work so hard to take care of my body and pay extreme attention to what I put in it. But I've never really thought about the stuff I put on it. 

I am a beauty product junkie. So this could actually be a good thing for me. It should cut out on the amount of stuff that I buy if I start to be more particular about the ingredients. 

This all started when I was browsing QVC's website one day.  I don't think I realized that Tarte products were all natural.  So this peaked my interest. 

I've absolutely LOVED their Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara for a long time. I've repurchased this mascara several times. I also own the Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in Dollface.  I love this too. I think I just happened to buy that b/c a lot of blush oxidizes on my skin and turns colors throughout the day. I'm not one to touch up my makeup. I don't want to have to. So I like long-wearing products.  I've never tried anything else from them though.

$26 sephora.com

$19 sephora.com

I'm also a YouTube junkie. Any time I want to know anything about a beauty product or hair product I look up reviews on YouTube. I'd much rather listen and watch someone give a review than read it.  So I started looking up videos on Tarte. I found a lot of great reviews on their Maracuja oil products.  So I went back to QVC to look at what they had to offer.  The thing I like about QVC is that they have a lot of the value kits at really good prices. 

I found the Tarte The Miracle of Maracuja 7-pc Skin Smart kit for $65.  The kit includes:

• 0.01-oz Cashmere Waterproof Gliding Liner in Black Bark
• 0.12-fl oz Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Pouty, a brightening pink shade
• 0.2-oz Through the Grapevine Eye Shadow Quad with Valley, a shimmering white shade; Rose, a rose pink shade; Berry Blend, a raspberry shade; and Grape, a plum shade
• 0.28-oz Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, or Deep
• 0.24-oz Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara in Black
• 0.19-oz Airblush Maracuja Blush in Shimmering Pink
• 1.7-fl oz Pure Maracuja Oil
• Brush

The Maracuja oil alone is $48 and the mascara is $19.  That covers the cost of the kit. So its like getting the rest for free! So I ordered the kit. It hasn't been delivered yet. I should get it tomorrow. I will keep everyone updated on how I like it. I did the 3 payments flex pay of $25 each b/c I really just wanted to try it. I can return it if I decide I don't like it.

I don't have problem skin at all but I do have dry/ combo skin. I don't ever break out, but my skin is really dry and then I get oily cheeks/forehead by the end of the day. 

So then I was intrigued to try more Tarte products. I went to Sephora Friday night to ask for a sample of their Amazonian clay 12 hour foundation.  I really wanted to try out the colors and see if it would last on me all day. 

$38 sephora.com

QVC has the foundation and a foundation brush for only $38.  The sample Sephora gave me was actually a good bit of product!  You only need a tiny bit for really good coverage. So I think it will last me a while. I've worn it twice and I love it! I don't need to use powder or anything.

So this has me going through my makeup drawer and skincare routine to see what I can clean up.  I figured I would do the best that I can- where I can... Just like I do with food... I picked up another item at Sephora Friday night too that I will review soon.

Anyone have any natural beauty products/ brands to recommend?  I'm now obsessed with finding new stuff. But I can't break the bank in the meantime!



XO-Heather

Yesterday's Haul

Yesterday I went to Ulta and Target on my lunch break. I wanted to look for an oxblood color nail polish and berry lipstick. I've been hearing about this oxblood trend lately. And I love dark nails!! I've also been looking for some longer shirts and tanks to wear with my beloved Lululemon Wunder Unders.  I have these in several colors!  

I completely forgot to snap my own pictures of the stuff though before putting it all up last night.

I picked up this Revlon super lustrous lipstick in #485- raspberry freeze. I wore it today and I love it! I was actually hoping it would have a little less shine and look more matte. But I'm pleased with the color. I love the formula of these lipsticks. They're really creamy and not drying at all.

I also picked up the Revlon Color Stay nail polish in Vixen.  I haven't painted my nails with it yet.  But I did find some swatches.

source

 

This color just looks gorgeous!  And I love this line of polishes.  I have a few other colors, and they last pretty long.

I also just picked up another package of the Simple make-up remover wipes.  I love that brand!  I used my $5 off $10 coupon, and I think I paid $11 OOP.  

I also found a couple of tanks at Target.  I don't think they'll be quite long enough for me to feel comfortable with tights.  But oh well.  

buy here

here

The 2nd one isn't the exact one I bought.  Mine doesn't have the glitter, and its more of a berry color rather than purple.  They're really soft and very comfy!  They were $7 each.  They have a ton of colors.  I like these to wear alone in the summer and under cardis/ jackets in the fall.

buy here

Then I picked up the mint green lacy one.  I thought it would be cute to wear around the house or casually.  It was on clearance for $3. 

So its not too exciting, but I found some good deals!  

Have you been shopping lately?

XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: OOTD

Happy Wednesday Everyone!
This is what I wore to work today! I picked up this skirt at Banana Republic the day after Christmas.  I scored some great deals that day!
This plaid top was a one of Target's Daily Deals online.  I love their daily deals!  Sometimes the clothes are pretty ugly, but sometimes you can score cute stuff. Their daily deals always ship free too. I ordered 2 different colors for $8 a piece.  They came to my door for like $18 total!

skirt- Banana Republic; shirt- Target; tights- Target; shoes- Payless; necklace- F21; watch- MK

XO-Heather

Mixed Up Monday: Recent Purchases

Happy Halloween!  I'm lazy and boring and didn't do anything for Halloween nor am I dressing up.  Husband has too much studying to do to break away.  And I just hate to spend money on a costume, and I'm too lazy to make one.

Saturday I had a facial from my best friend.  She's an Esthetician, and owns a spa in our hometown.  My skin has been looking so dull lately no matter how many times I exfoliate.  Plus, it has been a year since I had one.  

Then afterward I tagged along with a friend while she shopped and we ate sushi for lunch.  We spent 6 hours shopping!  It was so fun though.  By the time I came home at 7 that night I was exhausted.

I did pick up a few things on Saturday.  I really wanted to take advantage of the 20% off coupon from Ulta since there were no exclusions.  There were some things I knew I would buy eventually.  So why not stock up when you can get it on sale?  I also went to Loft because they were having a 40% off everything sale.

So here's what I picked up:

LOFT: 40% OFF ENTIRE STORE

Loft skinny patent belt

Loft Boatneck Cable Poncho

Loft Striped Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee

ULTA: USED 20% OFF ENTIRE ORDER COUPON
A lot of these items were things I wouldn't normally buy all at once being the frugal person that I am.  But they were all things I've had on my wish list for a long time.  And since the Ulta coupon was a one-time thing, and you can normally not use their coupons on any of this stuff... I figured this was the best time to buy everything- while I can get it cheaper.  I can either buy things later when I need them or buy things before I need them at a discount.  I follow the same rule for my groceries and household products... "Buy at the lowest price possible if you are going to use it."

 

Philosophy Microdelivery & Philosophy Great Skin Is In Kit

I've been needing and wanting a new skin care set lately.  Normally I use a drugstore brand, usually Olay because I always have coupons.  But some of the drugstore brands can be pretty pricey when you add up an entire line of products.  Since I really needed everything I figured I'd give this kit a try, and I added in the microdermabrasion cleanser also .  I wouldn't have normally bought it or paid full price for it.  I really just tried it because of the coupon.  But I've been using it since Saturday night and I love it.  But I also just had a facial so we'll see how long that lasts. 
 

Benefit High Beam

I've been dying to try this for a while.  I tried ELF's version, the shimmering facial whip in lilac petal.  But I really didn't care for the consistency of it.  It was EXTREMELY runny.  I made a mess every time I used it.  Since ELF's is only $1 I bought 2 different bottles of it.  Because I thought maybe the first one I bought was old.  But they both did it.  I think that's the first ELF product I didn't really like!
 

Benefit They're Real Mascara

This stuff is AH-Mazing!  I've been on a crazy mascara kick lately.  My sister actually bought this stuff and I tried it.  I had to have it.  I was going to wait until I ran out of ELF Mineral Infused Mascara to buy some more.  But I figured I could either buy it in a month or two or buy it now for 20% less. 
 

Naked Palette

I already have one of these and I'm completely obsessed.  But I picked this one up for my mom.  She tried mine a few weeks ago and fell in love.  Is there anyone out there that doesn't like this thing?!

KOHL'S

I've been dying for some skinny black pants that I can wear to work.  I have black jeans, but I can't wear jeans.  And I'm funny about leggings so I won't wear leggings to work.  I found these at Kohl's.  They are the material of sleeping pants.  But they aren't too tight and have pockets in the back.  So they look like regular pants.  They are great quality.  These were originally $48.  But the Daisy Fuentes brand was 40% off and I had a 15% off coupon I printed.  So I think I paid about $26 with tax.

Daisy Fuentes Skinny Ponte Pants

source

Anyone else do any shopping this weekend? 

XO-Heather

Mixed Up Monday: Recent Beauty Purchases

I thought it would be nice to share with you guys my opinion on some new beauty products I've recently purchased.

1.  E.L.F. Studio Bronzer in Golden $3

I picked this up at Target one day.  I usually use the Bare Minerals Warmth, but it's just so dark and messy.  I really like this bronzer.  It has great build-able color.  It's not orange at all.  It does have a good bit of shimmer to it though.  I like to apply it all over my face, neck, and chest after i put on my foundation.  It gives a nice sun kissed glow!  It is a great product I would recommend, and an absolute steal! 

2.  E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Midnight $3

Another great find!!  I picked this up after The Bargain Blonde sang it's praises!  I got the midnight, and it is a great blueish black color.  But it's not harsh looking, and that's what I like about it.  I think it works great for daytime and work when I don't want to wear a dark black eyeliner.  The little brush it comes with actually works great too!  It goes on super smooth, and it's really easy to apply.  It last all day!  I use this to line my upper lash line.  The small brush makes it easy to get real close to the lashes.  I definitely want to get some more colors.


4.  Ulta Automatic Eyeliner $3

This was another recommendation from the Bargain Blonde.  I got the deep brown and a purple color that I can't remember the name of.  They glide on really smooth and last all day.  But it's also easy to remove with eye makeup remover.  I really like this eyeliner.  I use this when I'm in a hurry, and I don't have time to mess with a liquid or cream. 

3. Benefit Eye Bright $20

source

I picked this up from Sephora over the weekend after reading about it on a few blogs.  This is the first eye brightener I've ever tried.  I used to use a lot of Benefit's products, but once I put myself on a budget I started to buy cheaper products.  Their stuff isn't expensive, but it's also not really cheap!   Their products have the cutest names and packaging.  I put this on my inner and outer corners and under my brown bone after I finish the rest of my eye makeup.  It REALLY makes a difference!  It's a light pink color, and it does exactly what it says it will do- brighten your eyes!  It's easy to apply and blend.  I also highly recommend this.   
I have dark circles under my eyes naturally, and I often look tired and washed out.  It doesn't matter how much sleep I get or water I drink, I still have them too!  (BTW, I use Excuviance CoverBlend concealer $22 from Ulta and it works WONDERS. I've had it for over a year and have barely made a dent in the tube b/c you don't need much.) 

So anyone else find any great new beauty products lately?  Would you all be interested in a post or video about my daily makeup routine and daily products I use? 

*I purchased all of these products on my own.  These are my honest opinions. 

XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday- Old Navy Trip

Last week I took a trip to Old Navy.  Their full priced items were buy 1, get 1 75% off.  I've been seeing a lot of cute items on their website so I figured I would take a look.  Man, I wanted so much stuff.  Their clearance items were also another 50% off.  I only had a little of my weekly allowance left.  So I knew I had to spend wisely.  I picked up this new camel blouse below, a leopard cardigan, 3 tanks, workout pants, and 2 pair of Bermuda shorts for $70 total- with tax.
I love the look of this blouse.  I think it looks way more expensive than it is.  It has a very vintage-y feel to it too.  I think it's extremely versatile.  My only issue with the outfit is that I needed some more color.  I need some red heels! 
Oh, and Victoria and I are wearing the same shirt today!     

blouse- Old Navy
pants- Express
shoes- JCP

Happy Hump Day!
XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: New Blouse

I went to Loft yesterday with hopes of finding a cute new blouse for fall during their $35 blouse event.  I had it paired down to 2 options.  Then I saw this beauty on the sale rack for $25 after an extra 30% off sale and 10% for using my Loft card.  I fell in love.  I think it's great for the fall and very versatile for work on the weekend! 

blouse- Loft; belt- Target; pants- Loft; shoes- Shoe Dept.

XO-Heather

Day 16- Menswear

Today's prompt was to rock a menswear inspired look.  I chose a V-neck tee, dress pants, and a blazer.  I considered wearing a button-up, but it's just too hot around here!  I figured the blazer was removable in case I start to die of a heat stroke.

tee- Target boyfriend tee
blazer- Old Navy
pants- the Limited
shoes- DSW

I have a confession to make... I bought this t-shirt on Saturday.  Does that break my challenge?  I mean, it's just a tee...
I've seen a lot of people with these boyfriend tees from Target lately.  And I've heard a lot about them.  Linley raves about them on her blog, Dwelling & Telling.  They're usually sold out of them at my Target.  But I found this hunter green in my size.  They are regularly $8.  But there was a Target coupon, to print from their website, for $3 off any Missimo item.  So I got it for $5.  It's really soft and very comfortable.  I have a million different fitted t-shirts.  But I like them long, like this one.  And it's hard to find them in a longer length sometimes.
I said in the original post that it would only be clothing (not accessories) since that's what i have an abundance of.  So for the entire month all I have bought myself is a t-shirt for $5.  Husband bought me this striped top with cut-out shoulders for $7.  I also bought a pair of $7 faux snakeskin pumps from Target and a leather carry-all pouch from American Apparel for $50.  I think I did pretty good.  The only time I slipped up was for a t-shirt for 30 days!  This is coming from someone who went to Loft at least once a week on her lunch break to shop in the past few months.  But now my wish list on Pinterest is quickly growing.  So I can't wait to shop again!!!! 
Make sure to check out the other participants in today's challenge.  
XO-Heather

Frugal Friday- Myth Busters + Trip

Happy Friday!  I'm so anxious for tomorrow.  I have a hair appointment, and I've been rocking some serious roots lately!  I've been trying to decide what to do with it... darker? keep it light? cut? let it grow?  decisions... decisions...

There are a lot of common couponing myths out there.  I used to think a lot of them were true.  But I'm here to bust a few of them for you!
1.  Coupons are for stuff you won't use.  
This is completely false!  Doesn't everyone use toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razors?  The list could go on and on.  I use apparel store coupons all the time too! 
2.  Coupons are for processed junk food.  
This may have been true in the past.  But now there are so many organic companies out there, and they are jumping on the bandwagon!  I've used coupons for fresh fruit, bagged salads, organic peanut butter, organic chicken, yogurt, regular and soy milk... and many more.  Even Whole Foods has store coupons which can be combined with a manufacture coupon.
3.  Shopping at Wal-Mart is cheaper.
This tends to be the one that gets me the most since I used to be such a Wal-Mart shopper.  Sure, sometimes you can find things cheaper at Wal-Mart.  But more often than not,  I can get something significantly cheaper (or even free) at Target, Walgreens, or CVS.  I do this because these stores have store coupons (Target's you print from their website, Walgreens are in their ads and in a coupon booklet in the store, and CVS prints out @ the register or the Q machine in the store) that you can stack with manufacture coupons.  If you use the 2 on top of something being on sale its usually a rock-bottom price.  If I go to Wal-Mart with a list now I find myself spending way more money than if I just shop the sales everywhere else.
4.  Only poor people and old ladies use coupons.
I can't tell you how many times people make comments about others who use coupons.  When did saving money mean you were poor or old?!  I save as much money as I can on groceries, toiletries, and household items so that the husband and I can do fun things with our money.  Or so that we can buy nice clothes, shoes, and I can splurge on my haircuts and highlights.  Actually, according to a study by the Neilsen Company people who make over $70k annually are more likely to use coupons more frequently. 
5.  Couponing takes too much time.
This one could go either way.  It definitely depends how much you want to put into it.  The people on the crazy TLC show spend hours and hours a day clipping, sorting, and planning.  I certainly don't do that.  Now I don't have a stockpile like they do.  But I don't need one either.  My personal opinion is that no one needs that much of one thing unless you are going to give it away or donate it.  I have a very small stockpile of things I use often (body wash, lotion, razors, shaving cream, soap, facial moisturizer and cleanser, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing).  But that is about it.  So I don't have to spend HOURS getting ready for a shopping trip, because I'm not "extreme."  I check out the websites I mentioned a few weeks ago for the match-ups, clip and print my coupons, make a list, and head to the store.  EASY!

As promised I'm going to give you the details of a SMALL Target trip I did a few weeks ago.  Often I run to Target on my lunch break to scoop up some deals each week.  I have an obsession with Target.  I just love the atmosphere and all of the great deals I get there.  Sorry for the bad pics, it was with my iPhone.  
 

I bought Target brand disinfecting wipes, jeans, rubbing alcohol, and 2 cans of Aussie hairspray.
Up & Up Disinfecting Wipes, 35 ct $2.19, Regular Price
-$0.50/1 – Up & Up Cleaning Item, Excludes Trial/Travel Size, Target Coupon – (target.com)
Final Price: $ 1.69
UP & Up Isopropyl  Alcohol, 16 oz, $1.02, Regular Price
- .75/1 Up & Up First Aid Item, Target Coupon - (target.com)
Final Price: .27
Aussie Hairspray, $2.27, Regular Price
-$3/1 Herbal Essences/Aussie Styler wyb any HE/Aussie Produt - (7/3 Proctor & Gamble insert)
Final Price: $1.54 for 2, or .77 each
Mossimo Brand Jeans, $4.98, on 75% clearance
-$3/1 women's jeans, Target coupon (target.com)
Final Price: $1.98

My total would've been $12.73 before taxes, but I paid $7.83 total. Now that's not the greatest savings in the world. But I got a pair of cute, well-fitted jeans and a few necessities. 
Target is one of my favorites places to shop for clothes.  They always have really cute items on their clearance racks.  I think the jeans coupon is still available to print.  I know the last time I checked they still had a ton of clearance jeans left.  This coupon could make for free jeans if they are even cheaper now.